5 Freshers Myths You Can Stop Believing

Wednesday 19-08-2026 - 09:30

Starting uni is exciting. But between moving out, meeting new people, finding your way around a new city and figuring out how uni actually works, there’s a lot to take in.

Before you’ve even arrived, you'll have probably heard a lot about what Freshers is supposed to be like.

You’ll find your best friends immediately. You’ll be out every night.

Spoiler: probably not.

So, before you start comparing your Freshers experience to what you’ve seen online, here are a few myths we think need debunking.

Myth 1: You’ll meet your best friends in the first week

You might! But if you don’t, there’s absolutely no need to panic.

Freshers is full of quick introductions, forgotten names and meeting a lot of people in a very short space of time. Some friendships will stick, others won’t, and you’ll keep meeting new people throughout your entire time at uni.

Reality: You don’t need to find your people straight away. Give it time.

Myth 2: Freshers = non-stop nights out

Social media, films and TV can make uni look like one big night out. In reality, Freshers looks different for everyone.

Some people will be out every night, some won’t drink at all, and plenty will fall somewhere in between.

Reality: There’s no right way to do Freshers. You’re not missing out just because your version looks different to someone else’s.

If you ever feel uncomfortable with peer pressure around drinking or anything else, our Advice Centre is here if you need someone to talk to.

Myth 3: Everyone else is more confident than you

Walking into a room where you don’t know anyone can be intimidating, especially when it looks like everyone else is making friends effortlessly.

But chances are, plenty of people in that room are feeling exactly the same way.

Reality: Most people are figuring it out as they go. Saying "hi", asking someone what course they’re on or even admitting you don’t know anyone can be enough to start a conversation.

Myth 4: You have to say yes to everything

There can be a lot happening during Freshers, and it’s easy to feel like you need to do everything in case you miss out.

You don’t.

Moving, socialising and starting uni all at once can be tiring. If you want an early night, some time to yourself or just a break from everything going on, take one.

Reality: Freshers isn’t a checklist. Do as much or as little as feels right for you.

Myth 5: Everyone knows what they’re doing

New city. New course. New people. New routines.

Nobody arrives at uni magically knowing where every building is, how everything works or exactly what they want to do with their life.

You might get lost. You might walk into the wrong room. You might ring home because you have absolutely no idea how long chicken is supposed to cook for.

It’s all part of it.

Reality: Uni is a new experience, and you’re allowed to take time to settle in and figure things out.

Freshers is what you make it

Your Fresher's experience doesn’t have to look like everyone else's.

You might make a best friend in your first week or meet them months later. You might go out, stay in, join a society, try something completely new or spend the first few weeks just finding your feet.

There’s no perfect way to start uni.

Forget what you think Freshers should look like and focus on making it feel right for you.